Education for the Work by M. E. Kern

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 6, 1904

Education for the Work

By M. E. Kern

Young People's Work — No. 4

Education for the Work

M. E. KERN

It has been suggested that our schools have failed to prepare the young people who have attended them for all-round workers in their home churches; that their minds seem to be directed more to conference or foreign mission work, while the importance of local work is overlooked. I am not sure but there is cause for criticism in this respect, and it should be remedied. This may be the result of the example of teachers who fail to show proper interest in leading out in active missionary work in the school; it may also arise from a lack of attention to the personal needs of each student with a view to directing him into some definite path of service. Our teachers must be not only kind and lovable leaders of the youth, but sturdy, resolute men and women of principle, whose very lives and influence will produce firmness of purpose in the young,— teachers whose whole thought and interest is bound up in the welfare of the young in their care.

I have lately written to a number of former students of Union College, asking them what part of their work in the school has been the most help to them in their labor for the young people, and what suggestions they have as to how Union College can be made more beneficial to the young people's work in general.

All testify to the benefit of their Bible instruction and the Christian growth in the school. Besides these was mentioned the constructive work required in the classes and societies, such as the practical missionary work carried on in and about the school. Some suggest that if the Christian young people could almost be compelled to lay aside their timidity and take a more active part in the practical missionary work, it would assist them materially in taking the burden of the young people's work in other places.

I feel sure that Union College can improve in taking a more active interest in the individual student, in carrying on more vigorously practical missionary work, and in holding before the students constantly by example and words the claims that God has on all their powers. I believe, if our hearts are in it, we can, as teachers, take a more active interest in the general young people's work.

It has been suggested that training schools, six or eight weeks in length, be held in different parts of the State conferences, where competent instructors should give instruction in this branch of work. No doubt this would be very beneficial. Of course, these institutions could not take the place of the education and discipline of mind of which most of our young people stand in need, but they would be a decided help in stirring up an interest in this important work, and in directing the work in proper channels.

Attitude of Workers

It is to be expected that our young people will make mistakes, but let us not be too harsh with them. They had better make some mistakes in their efforts to do good than to spend their energies in doing evil. Their pent-up energy will find expression somewhere, and we should learn to direct it rather than to attempt to suppress it. To illustrate: one of the difficulties that has been, and is, quite a source of anxiety, is the tendency of the young people to make their meetings social gatherings and places of entertainment. But where they can be interested in the true object of the organization, this difficulty is avoided. One State worker says that that difficulty has almost disappeared from her State.

The adolescent is just coming to feel his individuality. He is beginning to think for himself, but he may say very little, and wisdom and discretion are needed on the part of all who have to do with him. Let the workers study this work, and be able to give intelligent

directions to parents and leaders. Let them enter into the work of the youth, and be able wisely to direct them. If things go wrong, try to remedy them without discouraging the young people; for often they are easily discouraged. Be firm of principle and kind of heart. One worker says that in some cases where the young people organized without any definite object, a visit and instruction have resulted in making them strong companies. Let all the workers seek to co-operate with the State officers of the young people's work. One who is actively engaged in the work says, “I am distressed beyond measure at the indifference to the situation which is manifested by leading men and workers everywhere.” This ought not to be.

This difficulty is melting away in the Central Union Conference, I am sure, as shown by the live interest manifested at the late session of the conference and by the young people's convention held a few weeks later.

The general secretary of this work says: “What it (the work) needs is more general personal labor and encouragement from workers in the field. Secretaries may correspond and advise and suggest, but the need of the societies is personal contact with wise helpers. If the ministers in every conference would make the young people's work a prominent part of their work, many of the discouraging features would melt away.”

We should study to show ourselves approved unto God; we should attack these unsolved problems with vigor, that we may indeed be workmen that need not be ashamed. The study of methods of presenting this truth and how to adapt it to the different classes is second only in importance to the truth itself.

The secretary of the work in one of our States suggests that the ministers should give more wholesome instruction to parents from the pulpit, aiding them to bring up their children in the right way; “for,” says she, “most children are perishing for lack of knowledge on the part of the parents.”

Educational Campaign in Behalf of Young People's Work

The young people's work should be agitated. An educational campaign should be carried on for the benefit of parents, teachers, and leaders of the young people. By exchange of thought, we shall learn better how to accomplish the work. The Youth's Instructor is the organ of this movement, and it ought to be bound more closely to the hearts of the young people than ever before.

Conclusion

It has been estimated there are enough young men in this country to mine and smelt iron, prepare the material, and build Brooklyn Bridge in three hours. There is a mighty power in our youth. There is much pent-up power in the ten thousand youth among Seventh-day Adventists. Here is an army of youth. What are we doing to save this body of young people from succumbing to the enticements of the world, and to enlist their energies in the cause of God? The power of Niagara went to waste for centuries. Now, harnessed and properly manipulated, it is bearing its part in the work of the world.

Shall it not be our privilege to so direct the youthful energy and enthusiasm of our boys and girls that they shall be accomplishing great things for God? Shall we not pray that we shall speedily see all over the world the hearts of the fathers turned to the children, and the hearts of the children turned to the fathers? God grant it.